CBS discharges 'JAG'
Eye retires skein after 10 seasons
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Skein decommissions after 10 seasons and 227 episodes. Final episode of the Paramount Network TV drama airs the first Friday of sweeps, April 29, CBS announced Monday.
Not only does "JAG" close shop as TV's longest-running drama set in the armed forces, but the series also reps one of the few primetime series to thrive after switching networks.
"JAG" originally launched on NBC in September 1995, and ran on the net through July 1996. But after the Peacock canceled the Don Bellisario-created skein, the Eye resurrected it in January 1997.
"In my opening days at CBS, we needed to rebuild," said Viacom co-chief operating officer and CBS chairman Leslie Moonves. " 'JAG' was one of the first series to fill that void, making an immediate impact on Friday nights. ... Since then, 'JAG' has been one of the cornerstones of our schedule and a very influential part of the network's turnaround."
The end of "JAG" was not unexpected. Star David James Elliott inked a holding deal with ABC and Touchstone TV earlier this year; his pact with "JAG" was set to expire at the end of this season (Daily Variety, Feb. 4).
"JAG" stands for "Judge Advocate General" corps, the lawyers who handle cases of military personnel accused of crime. Show stars Elliott as pilot-turned-lawyer Navy Cmdr. Harmon "Harm" Rabb, and Catherine Bell as his colleague, Marine Lt. Col. Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie.
A former Marine, exec producer Bellisario relied on his military background to portray the show's characters, and also regularly worked with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to shoot in locations such as Camp Pendleton and Point Mugu, as well as on active aircraft carriers.
"We've had an amazing run, particularly for a series that was once canceled," Bellisario said.
He hinted "JAG's" final episode will finally address the personal relationship between Harm and Mac.
Show also spawned the spinoff series "NCIS," which airs Tuesdays on the net. Season-to-date, "JAG" has averaged 9.8 million viewers, and a 2.0 rating and 6 share among adults 18-49.
"JAG" peaked in 2001-02, the show's sixth season, when it averaged 14.8 million viewers. The episode "Mishap," which aired in November 1999, remains its most-watched seg.
